Wednesday, October 9, 2013

"Hajj Purifies the Sincere Ones Only"

The annual Hajj performance by the Muslims is in a way a marvellous opportunity to bring them together from all over the world to worship Allah the Almighty at one geographical location in a well organized manner. The massive gathering of three or more millions of Muslims at one common place of religious worship is, indeed, a confirmatory; the commendable step that gears up integration and solidarity in the different shades of the Muslim Umma.

Naturally, if the Muslims from different parts of the World gather together and interact with one another as the members of the same family, the feelings and mindset of oneness is developed leading to an emotionalised atmosphere of relationship amongst them. Most probably, there is no other prerequisite for the unity, affinity and harmony ever noticed of any community.

One has to have an intention to perform Hajj, and then the men have to be dressed in two un-hemmed white cloths, while the ladies need to be modestly dressed keeping face and hands uncovered. The rituals are to be performed the same way as done by Prophet Mohammed Sallahu Alaihi wasllam.

The ritual of walking seven times counter clockwise around the Kabah is called Tawaaf. Then, there is running or walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. The throwing of pebbles at “Jamarat” is to signify the defiance of the devil and is an expression of the pilgrim’s intention to obey Allah’s commandment, and is a demonstration of his humility and servitude to Him.

The slaughtering of the animals and shaving or clipping of the hair are the actions that signify about the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).
The annual Hajj also is famous for teaching discipline and forbearance to all participants. In fact, the observance of the rites of Hajj in the faithful manner keeps the pilgrims very close to the purity of mind, and that’s the solitary mode to acquire the vicinity of God Almighty, indeed.

Furthermore, the Hajj is the world’s greatest example of eliminating social discrimination and any other human differences. It’s based on the fact that all mankind is from Adam and Eve: An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; white has no superiority over black, nor does a black have any superiority over white; actually, none has superiority over another except by piety and good action, said the prophet during his last sermon at Arafat valley during his only hajj, as he performed Hajj just once.

While delivering his sermon, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be upon Him) advised the Hujjaj, “Regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust, return the goods to their rightful owners, and hurt no one so that no one may hurt you.”
He said further, “Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. God has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived, your capital, however, is yours to keep, you will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity.”

“Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.”
“Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God, perform your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and offer Zakat.

Perform Hajj, if you have the means.”
The prophet said, “I leave behind me two things, the Qur’an and my example, the Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray.”

Nevertheless, let’s remember - the Hajj, the Sacrifice and all Ibaadah may be nullified, if we tend to re-join the sinful life. This means if our attitude doesn’t change, Allah will never help us achieve our Islamic purpose of life. Obviously, if we are not careful enough, the element of hypocrisy in our thoughts and actions is more than sufficient to ruin our effort of connecting to our Creator/Lord.

Moreover, the disease of hypocrisy attacks those weaker ones who fail to maintain TAQWA, and those who don’t follow the Qur’an and Sunnah; hence are at greater risk.

Since, the polluted thoughts lead to social vices 24/7; we must resist them to maintain good connection with our Creator.
The problem is some people go for Hajj, yet, they don’t hesitate to indulge in arguments, fights; or lose talk; hence are liable for maintaining the stinky environment around them.

Furthermore, it’s usually seen that some people during Tawaaf (fard) love to violate the general atmosphere by committing short cuts to reach for kissing the black stone (hajr-e-aswad) which is just a Sunnah. Accidents do happen with this nonsense.
If there is no self discipline, there is no Ibaaddah. If selfishness is allowed to frustrate the others, how is the hajj valid then?

However, on the other hand, the true believers behave well with utmost patience despite the odds. From the very start, they observe calmness and when they return after hajj, they are really transformed into good citizens and they are Sin Free like a newly born baby.

May Allah (SWT) enable all the Hujjaaj to perform the hajj within the allowed parameters.
May He accept the Hajj of all pilgrims this year and help them return home safely in good spiritual purity and a sound physical health as well.(Ameen).
All others should still take the message based on the Prophet Muhammad’s last sermon leading to more unity among the members of Muslim community all over the globe enabling them to have self-control and unconditional submission to Allah (SWT).
Certainly, if the Islamic values are appropriately observed and practised sincerely, beyond doubt, there is a real understanding of the significance of Hajj and Eid-ul-Adha.